Files Sharing
A self-hosted, database-free file sharing application built with Laravel, offering WeTransfer-like functionality with secure bundle sharing.
What is Files Sharing?
FileSharing is a self-hosted web application that allows users to share files securely, similar to services like WeTransfer. It enables uploading files, creating shareable bundles with configurable expiration and download limits, and providing both preview and direct download links. The application solves the need for a private, controllable file-sharing solution without relying on third-party cloud services.
Developers, system administrators, and organizations needing a secure, self-hosted file-sharing platform with full control over data and no external dependencies. It's ideal for those who prioritize privacy, customization, and avoiding subscription fees.
Developers choose FileSharing for its simplicity (no database required), ease of setup, and robust self-hosting capabilities. Its open-source nature, multilingual support, and WeTransfer-like functionality offer a cost-effective, customizable alternative to proprietary file-sharing services.
Overview
Self-hosted files sharing application, easy to setup, easy to use
Use Cases
Best For
- Self-hosting a private file-sharing service for teams or organizations
- Sharing large files securely with expiration dates and download limits
- Deploying a lightweight file-sharing solution without database administration
- Replacing proprietary services like WeTransfer with an open-source alternative
- Setting up a multilingual file-sharing portal with customizable access controls
- Managing file uploads via IP restrictions or user authentication
Not Ideal For
- High-traffic public file-sharing platforms with thousands of concurrent users, due to JSON storage performance limitations.
- Organizations needing advanced user management like role-based permissions or SSO integration, as it only supports basic IP-based or login/password auth.
- Teams requiring real-time collaboration features such as live file previews or commenting, since it focuses on static bundle sharing.
- Projects that need seamless API-driven automation or mobile app support, as it's primarily a web interface with limited documented APIs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Eliminates database setup and maintenance by using JSON files in the storage folder, as explicitly stated in the description for easy installation.
Generates two links per bundle—preview and direct download—each protected by authorization codes, enhancing security over public sharing without authentication.
Supports IP-based restrictions or user login/password authentication, with configurable limits on file size and duplicates, offering tailored access management.
Includes a Laravel Artisan command that runs every five minutes to remove expired bundles, reducing manual maintenance and storage bloat.
Cons
The README warns that Nginx users must manually adjust settings like client_max_body_size for large uploads, adding setup complexity beyond basic installation.
Relies on JSON files for storage, which can become inefficient and slow with a large number of bundles or high concurrency, as hinted by the roadmap's need for more testing on heavy files.
Admitted in the roadmap, such as lack of PHP unit testing, background ZIP creation, and customizable white-labeling, making it less mature compared to commercial alternatives.
Open Source Alternative To
Files Sharing is an open-source alternative to the following products:
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Projects
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